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Posted on Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 5:59 a.m.

Homeless encampment supporters negotiating with MDOT to keep site in Scio Township

By Kyle Feldscher

Tarps are secured over several tents last week to help keep the snow out at Camp Take Notice in Scio Township.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Supporters of the Scio Township homeless encampment known as Camp Take Notice are circulating an online petition asking for support as discussions with the Michigan Department of Transportation about the camp continue.

However, an MDOT spokesman said Tuesday the agency has no plans to evict Camp Take Notice from the current location off of Wagner Road near M-14.

Michigan Itinerant Shelter System-Interdependent Out of Necessity, or MISSION, began circulating the petition, along with an email explaining the situation on Monday. The email states MDOT is uneasy about allowing Camp Take Notice to remain on their property.

However, MDOT spokesman Rob Morosi said Tuesday that the agency has no plans to evict the campers.

“My understanding is we’re still in discussions in an attempt to find a resolution that works for both parties,” Morosi said. “We have not formally started any process as of right now and we don’t plan to.”

Camp Take Notice moved to the site just off Wagner Road, south of M-14, in May 2010, MISSION board member Brian Durrance said. The camp has been allowed to stay at that location longer than any of the previous four places it was located, he said.

The first encampment was in the park behind the Mallet’s Creek branch of the Ann Arbor District Library, Durrance said. After being evicted from that location by Ann Arbor police, the encampment moved to behind the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center in County Farm Park in Ann Arbor, but police eventually evicted campers from that location as well, he said.

In 2008, the camp moved to the wooded area behind the Arborland shopping center —the first location where MISSION began getting involved in helping the residents, Durrance said. It was private land, and the campers had a gentleman’s agreement with Amcap Inc., the landowner, for usage of the land, he said.

However, in April 2009, the campers were again evicted by police after Amcap was pressured to remove the encampment by neighbors and store owners in the Arborland complex, Durrance said.

The camp then moved behind the Park And Ride lot near Interstate 94 and Ann Arbor-Saline Road. It took until April 2010 to be evicted from that site, and Durrance said the reason given to campers was that President Barack Obama’s motorcade may come through the area when he spoke at the graduation ceremony at the University of Michigan.

Since moving to the Wagner Road encampment, MISSION and Camp Take Notice organizers have enjoyed a good relationship with MDOT, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and many church organizations in the county, Durrance said. There are three neighbors around the camp who unhappy with its presence and are very outspoken with that displeasure, he said. However, he believes the camp has been a positive thing for the area.

“We’re very concerned about being good neighbors, that’s very important to us,” Durrance said.

As of Tuesday evening, around 120 people had signed the petition to support the campers. While the petition does not state that the camp is facing eviction from MDOT, it does insinuate discussions about the camp’s future are taking place.

“In its three-year history, CTN has been forcibly evicted from public land four times and now faces the potential for another eviction,” it states.

As Durrance stated, the encampment behind Arborland was actually on private land, contrary to the petition’s statement.

Durrance stated the camp wants to work out an agreement with MDOT so the campers can stay on the land and continue to work to improve the surrounding area. He said the campers removed between 500 and 600 bags of trash in order to even make the Wagner Road site livable, despite the fact that it had been an unofficial homeless encampment for more than 10 years.

Camp Take Notice has also adopted the stretch of Interstate 94 between Jackson Road and Zeeb Road and clean up that area regularly. Durrance said Camp Take Notice residents also clean Wagner Road regularly and have helped to regulate an area that was once a dangerous place.

He said the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office only received five calls for service to the camp during all of 2011, a similar amount to the previous year.

He said crime, drug and alcohol use and violence have all decreased since the camp came to the location, and all MISSION and Camp Take Notice want is to stay.

“It’s a human rights issue,” he said. “These are people who literally have no place to go because the shelters are full. They come to us because they cannot find the services they need in other places. We’re determined. We’d like to stay.”

Anyone who would like to donate to Camp Take Notice can contact Peggy Lynch at 313-408-5196 or email her at margaretannlynch@yahoo.com.

Comments

Steve

Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.

I have an idea, everyone quit your jobs and squat on public land. Society is too hard and there are PLENTY of freebies handed out by Wayne and Washtenaw counties to get by with out working. Not to mention all the free training and education that can be had if one spends more than 10 minutes looking. (Seriously, look at how your taxes are broken out)
I find it interesting they decided to be in that spot, has anyone thought of all the other places that they looked before finding this one? Perhaps a park or wooded area backing up to your backyard... I feel for all the folks who live in the houses in the immediate area surrounding this. They are paying taxes, cutting their lawns, keeping up with all regulations to mainitain a comfortable, safe, house. And they have this right up the road.
Again, how much time does one need to get back on there feet? 3 months, 6 months, 2 years? I feel for them if they truely did bust their butts for years and loose a job, or got hurt, etc. But I feel nothing for those that are 20-30 and squatting here. Guess what, WE ALL STRUGGLED, most of us continue to struggle. Keep trying, keep looking, keep going. No one will hire someone living in the woods.
At what point do we stop allowing this? When there are 100 people, 200, 300? Or when it starts to spill over and they have tent cities up in 15-20 areas around town.

Judy

Sat, Feb 25, 2012 : 12:23 a.m.

I do not live in the woods, but I owned a thriving business at one time and because of the economy it went under, I sold almost all I owned. Unless you have walked in a homeless persons shoes you have no idea what you are talking about! Did you just stereotype 20/30 yrs olds?

Judy

Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:49 a.m.

By the way, these tent cities are everywhere throughout the state. Homelessness is a HUGE problem here in Michigan!

Judy

Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:19 a.m.

I think those of you that want to complain should all get together and pay for these people to find another place to live, I am sure these people in this camp do not want to be in the harm elements......
You should all be ashamed of yourselves

Judy

Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:09 a.m.

The State of Michigan should supply this camp with portable toilets or build restrooms! The shelters are running over so not everyone can go to one of them and jobs are hard to find. If you look around there are more homeless in this state. &quot;You People&quot; that can sit back on your pompous rumps and complain about this shoud be ashamed of yourselves. What if this was you? We are our brothers keeper! All of us collectively should be helping the homeless.

AnnArbor.com - Who do we need to contact at MDOT if we are NOT in favor of this camp being continued in its current location? You provide information to those who want to support it, and thats nice but what about those who oppose what is going on... I am sure people will gripe about this posting but really, like it was previously stated, have these people (who are JUST like you and me, grandparents, parents, etc...) move into your back yard if you support this so much. They shouldn't be living on property that belongs to MDOT for free - are they paying rent and in unsanitary conditions...

Judy

Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:10 a.m.

paying rent how?

pest

Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 12:24 p.m.

But for the grace of God, there go I

genetracy

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 11:03 p.m.

The camp should be closed but the inhabitants allowed to move to within the Ann Arbor city limits. How about West Park? Burns Park would be nice. Judging from all of theior supporters in these forum, the squatters should have no problem acclimating to an urban enviroment and all the freebies the city has to offer.

shepard145

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 10:57 p.m.

This is a charade, a gimmick. These people know full well there are multitudes of shelter options for the poor - in fact we have entire cities of them, along with an army of social workers who broker their interests, shaking down &quot;workers&quot; for &quot;more&quot;. This camp is a mere curiosity created by some showmen ...a side show of people who sticking their finger in the eye of the public officials whose job it is to enforce the law but these days often lead by running away.
I doubt camping is permitting in that zoning and tolerating such absurdity is not the way to deal with it any more then handing money to pan handlers is a viable alternative to their employment.
Certainly the tenacity required to winter camp there also demonstrates that these people have at least the minimum faculties/IQ to find work if they chose to......but they do not.
...and would love to read the minutes of those &quot;negotiations&quot; with MDOT - LOL - get on that AA dot com!

shepard145

Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 4:20 a.m.

Why is it that people are so slow to learn from these posts and when you have a question, you fail to ask it. Let me help you AGAIN... Your question is: Oh where do we find places to live off the taxpayers because we have no intention of finding work?
Answer: There are hundreds of houses in Detroit and other area communities all around Michigan that can be rented for the money you get from us taxpayers.
The bad news is that if you are on Welfare, once you've been living off Michigan Taxpayers for 4 years, you need to move on to another state and live off of them.
...it's not like &quot;moving&quot; a tent is going take much effort ....but still, all that fuss is almost worth getting a job!!?
do your homework before you run your mouth

decaad

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 9:17 p.m.

It would be nice if aa.com actually interviewed the homeowners around the camp instead of just regurgitating the propaganda of the head squatter. They might find that the camp isn't all cleanliness and happy peaceful campers.

ViSHa

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.

Agree, seems like a no-brainer.

thinker

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 8:34 p.m.

Do you really think most of these people want to leave their tents where they are independent and they have few responsibilities? How many would want to live in an apt., having to clean it, have neighbors etc?

Judy

Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 2:09 a.m.

Sure, its a whole lot better to have no responsibilities and freeze yer rump off, are you kidding me?

Judy

Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:12 a.m.

Really?

arborlib

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 8:02 p.m.

I can't tell you how many times I've driven over the Wagner Road bridge over 14 at night and was startled with the amount of people walking on the bridge to go over to the camp (or especially cars stopped on the bridge to drop off people/supplies). It isn't safe for the pedestrians OR the drivers - not to mention the cars parked at the corner of Wagner and Dexter-Ann Arbor. It's dangerous, and frankly I'm getting sick of it.
I have nothing against setting up a camp for homeless people, but is there anywhere else to set up camp? Somewhere less-populated with homes and traffic?

Judy

Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 2:08 a.m.

Have you thought maybe these cars are from people curious about the camp or just maybe caring people are bringing food and cold weather clothing?

michelle

Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:30 a.m.

oh my lets not look at the real world. what about the man who lives there who fought for you to sleep in your nice house with a warm bed. he endured and saw so much for your freedom to protect this country now you dont want him in your neighborhood, because when he came back from fighting life wasnt the same for him. you should be ashamed of yourself. there are people that have problems in life and dont know how to live in a so call normal setting but again lets through the people away because they bring down the housing market. stop complaining and do something if your tired offer the county to buy your house and property and let them move into a half way house they county has ways to do that. you can sell your house in this low market and help. (i am sure you wont) just complain. God is watching and will Judge

Top Cat

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 8 p.m.

I'm surprised that Rebekah Warren and Jeff Irwin don't let them camp in their front yards.

Berda Green

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 6:56 p.m.

i wish them all the best god will watch over them they are doing the best they can

bunnyabbot

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 6:18 p.m.

I drive by the place several times a week. The cars being parked on Wagner near Dexter on the shoulder are almost a daily occurance, many are there after dark, I don't know if these are owned by people that live in the camp or are visiting. Perhaps visitors should only come during the day to reduce the risk of someone hitting the cars or hitting the people that crawl over the railings. I have witnesses this many times in the evening. Often the person is wearing dark clothing as well. They also cross in the middle of the road in the dark. Wagner is not a parking lot, the shoulders are narrow, I can only assume people are parking there because Elizabeth is full or the homeowners complained about cars, but Elizabeth is not a major roadway where as Wanger is, please reduce the number of parked cars that are creeping close to the intersection at Dexter and Wagner

Harry

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.

I would much rather live in a tent in ann arbor than a house in Detroit.

Chester copperpot

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 5:34 p.m.

I live a couple hundred yards from this camp and had my brand new patio chairs stolen last fall...The Washtenaw sherriff's department recovered them from the camp, but they were so soiled that they were basically unusable.
The police informed us they had seen newly purchased chairs, my chairs, and wondered where they had come from...
I suppose no one at camp wondered where brand new furniture just &quot;popped up&quot;..
After the incident, two representatives from the camp came to my door and apologized for the theft of the chairs, claiming to have kicked out the alleged thief. However they admitted that &quot;He probably just moved his camp across the street&quot; where an 'alternative community' was located.
Upon talking with police officers I was told that the sherriff's department could do little about the camp and its residents because it was located on MDOT property....
On top of seeing public urination on a regular basis, cars parked in the street and people wandering around ALL hours as well. Ive seen PLENTY of drunk people a few drug deals or people just standing out there sharing a joint on multiple occasions..
I now have my outside items chained down, My ears and eyes peeled every second of the day and will most likely have a hard time selling My house which I work very hard in paying for and maintaining...
This is not safe. sanitary or a situation that should continue where it is, if You disagree invite Them over to Your backyard and see how it works out for the neighborhood. its easy to be a supporter from outside the box...

Ann23

Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:40 a.m.

@Carey Allen, either your comment is incorrect or misleading. I don't know what Caleb has done since high school but he lived in Dexter and attended the Dexter schools. I don't think that he picked this area just because he thought it would be more advantagious for him and is doing what he is for his own personal gain. That is not even close to the kind of person I knew him to be. Also, it doesn't sound like the organizers are enabling anybody to be lazy and irresponsible. It sounds like they have good expectations and procedures.
The fact that they want to be near a bus line and are frequently seen traveling implies to me that they are working on supporting themselves, not just lazing around and looking for a free ride like some commenters have implied.
@EyeHeartA2, it's very likely that residents of the camp have paid taxes at least in the past. Plus, I don't know your political beliefs but, if you go by that reasoning then the wealthy are entitled to much much more than what they are getting from the government.
@4fingers, it could be argued that since they have permission to be there, they aren't squatting.

4 Fingers

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 7:47 p.m.

@ Caleb- your still squatting on public land. You pay no taxes, and your basically cleaning your up your own mess. MDOT should remove the camp and field mow it like they did on A2-Saline Rd.
@ Chester- I live on the same road as you and my sister in law's car was broken into last summer. they took her work laptop, gps, and get this- a Costco size box of individual snacks.
On that note, I've lived on this street since 1997 and before her car got broken into have never experienced ANY crime. Now at least once a week I get stopped on the street and asked where the campsite is from some shady people. I've also seen drug deals; people waiting on the guard rail for the 'Dopeman to arrive', or people sitting their cars waiting for campers.

Caleb Poirier

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.

This site has been used by the homeless for many years prior to the arrival of Camp Take Notice. It is in those prior years that police response was often five times or more per month. The current infrequent rate of police response is a significant improvement over the situation that predates our arrival. Anyone that is a Washtenaw County Deputy and has responded to this location before and after CTN's arrival can attest to the marked difference. On the few occasions when law enforcement has been requested by a camper, the person that was behaviorally inappropriate is evicted from camp and given assistance by volunteers from the nonprofit as he or she relocates to a new location (of their choosing) that is distant from Wagner.
The cleanliness of the site is also a significant improvement over the situation that predates us. When and if we should leave, those conditions are likely to return. Currently, the camp takes an active role in maintaining the cleanliness of Wagner Road and is officially a member of the MDOT Adopt-A-Highway program; several times a year we takes our homeless residents out onto the 1-94 shoulder to clean up garbage along a stretch of freeway adjacent to camp. Additionally, a small patch of woods that is across from the AATA bus stop on Wagner Road, (bordered by Dexter-Ann Arbor, Wagner and 14, never inhabited by CTN) was previously used by substance abusers that had left a significant mess. CTN and their supporters removed around one hundred bags of garbage from that area. We work extra hard at being good neighbors.
For well over a year now, residents of CTN have been following the recommendation of the Health Department following a visit from them to see if there were any issues. In fact, it is in this way, that our community is very different from unorganized homeless encampments where significant amounts of garbage accumulate. We take sanitation very seriously.

bunnyabbot

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 6:27 p.m.

usually people have patio furniture in the backyard, not visable from the front of the house, although maybe you have a corner lot. My point is then whoever took it was likely IN your backyard for another reason and then saw the patio furniture. Which also means they were probably in a neighbors backyard for some reason. Either to piss in your flower bed, peep in your windows or try your doors. At anyrate more likely to also know your habits of when you leave and come home. Scary :(

EyeHeartA2

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 6:18 p.m.

Occupy Scio!!
Give it back to the people that paid for it.

ElCamin0

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 5:14 p.m.

I am all for helping out our fellow man - but at what expense? I had heard of this place before, but had not been able to pinpoint its location directly until reading the crossroads in this article. Come to find out, this homeless &quot;camp&quot; is 2 seconds away from my 22 month old son's daycare.. Have all the residents of this camp had a background check? The website is a .org which I assume takes money to keep up and running, maybe I am wrong, but I am deeply disturbed that sexual offenders or people with criminal backgrounds are so close to where children (6 weeks old to pre K) are at on a daily basis and obviously where these people could just walk over anytime. I work at the hospital and come in contact on a daily basis with people with mental illness, drug addiction, social issues, criminal history, etc... and I understand Delonis doesn't have enough room, etc...but there has to be somewhere else these people can go where it wont effect people that PURCHASED there homes on land, and where people send their children. I will be bringing this to the attention of the City of Ann Arbor and the daycare if they do not already know. I work full time and sacrificed living arrangements so I could send my son to a safe enviroment during the day, and I am surprised this has not been brought up before.

cornelius McDougenschniefferburgenstein jr. 3 esq.

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 10:16 p.m.

camp is outside a2 city limits.

vaseline

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 8:57 p.m.

Ever thought that the police came out to the space to disperse those illegally squatting, and they haven't done that anymore, so you don't have the amount of calls

vaseline

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 8:55 p.m.

caleb is safer because you say it is.

Caleb Poirier

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.

The day care is aware. In fact, the property directly across the street from the day care - bordered by 14, Wagner and Dexter Ann Arbor had previously been used a camp of substance abusers that had left a significant mess. Camp Take Notice residents and their supporters removed around one hundred bags of garbage from that area, including the tents of those who were living there. Then, they posted No Trespassing signs that can still easily be seen from the road. They did that because we do not want that location, so close to the daycare, to be confused as being created or supported by CTN. Please consider that perhaps this day care is safer now because of the eviction of the substance abusers who stayed there. Or, consider the following: The triangle of land that CTN occupies has been used by the homeless for many years prior to the arrival of Camp Take Notice. It is in those prior years that police response was often five times or more per month. The current infrequent rate of police response is a significant improvement over the situation that predates our arrival. Anyone that is a Washtenaw County Deputy and has responded to this location before and after CTN's arrival can attest to the marked difference.
We work extra hard at being good neighbors. Many residents of Camp Take Notice have children themselves, are grandparents, and share many of the same fears that the writer does. Please also consider that is not the people that one can identify as potential threat, but those that one cannot, like a family member, relative or pediatrician at the University of Michigan hospital, which are the real and hidden problem.

genetracy

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 4:47 p.m.

It is funny how these squatters chose Ann Arbor for their encampment. These is plenty of open land in the city limits of Detroit, why did they not settle there?

Judy

Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 2:06 a.m.

Maybe they did not have a ride? Really?

michelle

Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:47 a.m.

when did you move there because in the late 60s and early 70s people were camping everywhere in Ann Arbor go take a history lesson of the Town you live in. Also look around read a real News Paper maybe watch the News this is not the only place there is a camp site in Michigan. even better Learn before you type

Caleb Poirier

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 4:26 p.m.

If you support Camp Take Notice, please sign this petition:
ipetitions.com/petition/ctn/
It states:
I support Camp Take Notice, its homeless residents and their search for a permanent home on the AATA bus line!

4 Fingers

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.

Why don't you walk through a few of the neighborhoods adjacent and see if they would like new neighbors??

Mick52

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:49 p.m.

I understand the plight(s) but I like to see consistency in enforcing the law. If this is allowed, how do you say no to someone else, someplace else?

zeeba

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.

&quot;The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich and the poor alike to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.&quot; - Anatole France.

justcurious

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 4:08 p.m.

Good quote.

gofigure

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:07 p.m.

re: in area
I was speaking about Ann Arbor (and surrounding areas) versus say... Canton, Detroit, Royal Oak or any other area.

sarden

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:04 p.m.

Negotiate? They are negotiating with the state to live on state land where they are not in code, not paying taxes, lowering residential property taxes, and attracting more people to come and join their illegal camp.
This is simple. They are breaking the law. The state police needs to come in and clear this area. If they want to camp, they can go to an official rustic state camp ground that has facilities up to code.

vaseline

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:03 p.m.

My mother and I also drive by this spot I told her about not seeing someone one time, my reaction was a quick jerk of the wheel and I actually wasn't that close. I know this because the man was wearing dark closing at night, had enough time to real bad and spit at my car and windshield. My mother has had the same problem as described in the post above of people here wearing dark clothing at night.
I also can't imagine trying to sell any of those houses that come off of Wagner Road right there near the camp or what you would have to do to explain the camp I'm sure it would be a material consideration and you have to disclose it to the buyers

Buster W.

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3 p.m.

What kind of precedent will this set? If approved, many will view this as all MDOT land will be open to squatters.

Here

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:49 p.m.

I drive by this spot regularly.
On the one hand I note that there is little evidence that the camp is there, which speaks to their effort to stay clean and quiet.
On the other hand, safety is a real concern. First, this area is NOT designed for pedestrian traffic. Many times I have come across people walking to and from the camp entrance in the dark-- almost always they are wearing dark clothing, with their back to traffic, walking on the fog line. This is a tragedy waiting to happen. It puts both pedestrians and drivers at risk of a life altering disaster. Frankly, it is scary. Second, others have mentioned concerns about sanitation; it certainly comes to mind.
Finally, I can appreciate the nearby home owners frustration. The camp is an unapproved, out of code and presumably illegal use of the land next to their homes. These home owners would not be allowed to use their own land in such a scoff law fashion, and if it threatened the sensibilities or the home values of their neighbors there would undoubtedly be a timely response by the authorities, and perhaps legal action. And yet they seem to have had this situation put upon them as an obligation with no recourse. Frustration is natural, and I think justified.

gofigure

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:08 p.m.

re: @ Zeeba &quot;Then where would you have them go? The shelters are full, as the article says, and many find living in a shelter little different from prison.
So what would you do with them?&quot;
Use the donations they're already getting......apply for a grant..... Anything but squatting illegally. If it were anywhere else but Ann Arbor, this wouldn't even be a discussion.

Judy

Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:29 a.m.

Did you just volunteer to help these people apply for grants?

zeeba

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:28 p.m.

Don't kid yourself - this is happening everywhere. You only know about this one because you're reading the Ann Arbor pseudo-newspaper.

Here

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.

gofigure - this in fact DID happen in Ann Arbor and they were evicted. Now it is happening in Scio Township on MDOT land.

EyeHeartA2

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:46 p.m.

&quot;There are three neighbors around the camp who unhappy with its presence and are very outspoken with that displeasure, he said. However, he believes the camp has been a positive thing for the area.&quot;
So...the people that actually paid for their house can go pound sand?
&quot;He said the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office only received five calls for service to the camp during all of 2011, a similar amount to the previous year.&quot;
Funny, I can't remember the cops coming down my street five times in the last five years.

EyeHeartA2

Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 12:23 a.m.

I guess what he is saying is that the laws they are breaking now aren't as &quot;bad&quot; as the laws that were being broken before.
Makes perfect sense, now that it was explained that way.
It was nice of them to give the lawn furniture back. That was better than keeping it.

ViSHa

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 9:56 p.m.

@ Caleb, you have repeated that response over and over, I still don't see how CTN is a positive for the area?

Caleb Poirier

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 4:16 p.m.

This site has been used by the homeless for many years prior to the arrival of Camp Take Notice. It is in those prior years that police response was often five times or more per month. The current infrequent rate of police response is a significant improvement over the situation that predates our arrival. Anyone that is a Washtenaw County Deputy and has responded to this location before and after CTN's arrival can attest to the marked difference. On the few occasions when law enforcement has been requested by a camper, the person that was behaviorally inappropriate is evicted from camp and given assistance by volunteers from the nonprofit as he or she relocates to a new location (of their choosing) that is distant from Wagner.
The cleanliness of the site is also a significant improvement over the situation that predates us. When and if we should leave, those conditions are likely to return. Currently, the camp takes an active role in maintaining the cleanliness of Wagner Road and is officially a member of the MDOT Adopt-A-Highway program; several times a year we takes our homeless residents out onto the 1-94 shoulder to clean up garbage along a stretch of freeway adjacent to camp. Additionally, a small patch of woods that is across from the AATA bus stop on Wagner Road, (bordered by Dexter-Ann Arbor, Wagner and 14, never inhabited by CTN) was previously used by substance abusers that had left a significant mess. CTN and their supporters removed around one hundred bags of garbage from that area. We work extra hard at being good neighbors.

thecompound

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:17 p.m.

Agree. Would really like to know how someone can say the camp &quot;has been a positive thing for the area&quot; with a straight face.

xmo

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:43 p.m.

I read about Hoovervilles in the 1930's but now I get to see Obamavilles!

Stupid Hick

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 6:15 p.m.

&quot;Muslim or a socialist&quot;
Well, obviously, he's whatever you imagine is worse, and then double it.

smokeblwr

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 4:45 p.m.

So is he a secret Muslim or a socialist? Because I'm pretty sure you can't be both.

Stupid Hick

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 4:28 p.m.

Ah yes, now I see! This is just a trial balloon. And if Obama gets re-elected, he'll give illegal immigrants our homes while forcing us to move into FEMA camps. You see, it's because he wants to turn us all into socialists, and won't be satisfied until everyone is dependent on the government for hand-outs. LOL!

LBH

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:58 p.m.

I just *LOVE* when propagandists put this mess on the current president. What if chuckle-head and celebrity-rambo-quitter-Barbie had been elected? Do you actually believe things would be better? If so, you may be either delusional, or have no problem lying to yourself and others. It took the Cheney Administration 8 years, two unfunded wars, winking and nodding to people who decided it was ok to gamble with and lose other people's money, and &quot;job creating&quot; tax cuts to burn through a budget surplus and drive this country into a ditch. The people got muddy and bloody in the process were not those who perpetrated the mayhem. This is because the folks in charge were willing to sacrifice the middle class so that they might have 100 times more than any human needs instead of just 10 times more. Get a grip.

Gaboo

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:45 p.m.

These camps have been around for longer than Obama has been president. Let's not lay blame where it doesn't belong.

4 Fingers

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:30 p.m.

Anybody ask any of the property owners around the area if they would welcome this permanent location??
Whose liable if there's an accident, death, or crime at the camp??
What about building codes??
Public health? Last I heard most of the tents throughout the winter had black mold in them. That place is one cough away from an epidemic.

michelle

Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:09 a.m.

do you have a space for any one a basement a garage with heat, complain is all you do. an extra blanket, a large pot of soup , hot tea, to warm their stomach would be nice and help keep them from getting sick.its amazing how quick we are to go against people. Just think 100 yrs ago it might have been your great grandfather living in a lean too for shelter. how can you sleep in that warm bed with out a care if one person out there is freezing to death? what thus world has come to. I pray for you. in the mean time I have to go out on those real cold nites and offer a warm sandwhich and hot drink to a homless person .

4 Fingers

Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:30 a.m.

Drewk- here's a link to the article from BBC
MixedStock- Here's the link to the BBC piece. <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/panorama/hi/front_page/newsid_9694000/9694094.stm" rel='nofollow'>http://news.bbc.co.uk/panorama/hi/front_page/newsid_9694000/9694094.stm</a>

Homeland Conspiracy

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 10:23 p.m.

I luv it all you are worried about are rules &amp; regulations not 1 word about the ppl living there. I guess your solution is &quot;Let Them Eat Cake&quot; &amp; by the way do you live up to every rule or regulation? if you can say yes then you are a far better person than me.

drewk

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 8:18 p.m.

Can you please cite the location of your findings on black mold. I never heard about any such thing. Or, maybe you are trying to instill fear amongst the readers?

justcurious

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.

Leave them to live as they wish. They aren't bothering people. The police aren't up in arms about it and I haven't heard about a neighborhood petition to get them out. Who's to say they don't have composting toilets? There but for the grace of God go you or I. Anyone could be struck with a mental illness that could cause them to be homeless.

Davidian

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.

I have mixed feelings.
From personal experience, most homeless (aside from the severely mentally ill) have made a series of terrible choices and they are homeless for this reason. They have burned bridges and safety nets that the rest of us have (e.g. family, friends, and potential employers). There are occasional people with hard luck, but by far, the majority are there because they can't excercise an ounce of restraint and their priorities are out of whack.
On the other hand, many of them have hit bottom and want to climb out. We need to identify and support the people that want to work and want to reclaim their lives. I'm not sure that squatting on land with non-existent sanitary conditions is the right approach, but what are the alternatives?
Now for the people that have chosen to drop out of society - and there are more than a few at CTN - survival is on them, and they should get nothing from the rest of us.

michelle

Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5 a.m.

i hope you take time to pray, no matter what they still deserve the basic needs we all have. now if they have mental problems then show that you are human and help not disreguard. why dont you go and see if you can help just 1 person that lives in that camp. It takes people to put out that hand as an offering. if you help 1 person it will change your life more then it will theirs and you will be changing that persons. god bless you hope to see you there one day offering a hand and not a comment

The shelters are indeed full and their funding is being reduced even more for a multitude of reasons. What, indeed, are the alternatives?
I wince at the presumption of being able to separate those with 'hard luck' from those that 'can't exercise an ounce of restraint and their priorities are out of whack.' Often it is hard luck in one's childhood and adolescent development that yields adults that are prone to poor restraint and out-of-whack priorities. It is near to impossible to know and tease apart the complex interaction of events, genes, environment, and then to arrive at those deserving and those undeserving of help. Let us make mistake of judging our neighbor with mercy in the hope that we also, will likewise be judged, when our shortcomings are observed by someone that doesn't understand the history from which our problems have originated.

gofigure

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:10 p.m.

well said

Harry

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.

Come on. Leave them alone. They are already having enough trouble.
Or at least until social services finds them somewhere warm to stay.

gofigure

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:09 p.m.

There are right ways to do things and wrong ways. Squatting on public land is not the right way.

michelle

Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:50 a.m.

ok then maybe you would like them to move into your back yard and use your 2nd bath room. at least you got a bath room and a warm heated place with a bathroom, I would like for the state land to be donated and it is easy to build or put up temp housing and facilities for them campers Large pole barns, even old train cars there is so much that can be done but nothing is. only the churches in the area are doing for these people. they are people who are entitled to have basic needs met. may God bless them all

Homeland Conspiracy

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 10:19 p.m.

Are the &quot;public&quot; using this land? I would to say yes are the ppl living there are the &quot;public&quot;.Try being a part of the solution. Do you have any ideas? other than &quot;Get a job you lazy bum&quot;

Ricardo Queso

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:57 p.m.

Go to a shelter, move in with family, combine resources and move in together, move to an area with jobs (people have been doing this for years). Don't use your squatting to make a political statement. And in the end this is illegal squatting.

zeeba

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.

Then where would you have them go? The shelters are full, as the article says, and many find living in a shelter little different from prison.
So what would you do with them?

JustMyOpinion

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:08 p.m.

How we treat the least among us says a great deal about who we are as a society, and its a collective statement about each and every one of us.

Homeland Conspiracy

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.

cinnabar7071 Nice cut &amp; paste of what you said a few comments ago. No one is asking for a multi million dollar shelter....just a hand up not a hand out

julieswhimsies

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.

Thank you for your comment, JustMyOpinion. I completely agree. We are all human beings, and the homeless have huge challenges to face every day, and could use our help and support, not our judgment on their life circumstances, or shortcomings.

clownfish

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:41 p.m.

Note how these people are treated on these pages. Sad statement about our race, I think.

cinnabar7071

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:31 p.m.

Maybe we could build a multi million dollar shelter with everything they need to get back on their feet. Thats the least we could do to help. Right?

Ricardo Queso

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:02 p.m.

With no sanitation facilities this is a public health nuisance and should be shut down immediately.

decaad

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 8:57 p.m.

How exactly do you &quot;evict &quot; people from land on which you are illegally squatting. What authority do you have over where people pitch there tent?

Caleb Poirier

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:49 p.m.

For well over a year now, residents of CTN have been following the recommendation of the Health Department following a visit from them to see if there were any issues. All solid human waste is packed out of camp in three layers of plastic bags. Violating this rule subjects the offender to eviction. The rules and eviction are enforced by elected leadership from within the camp. In fact, it is in this way, that our community is very different from unorganized homeless encampments where significant amounts of garbage accumulate. We take sanitation very seriously. There are other measures that we employ to maintain cleanliness: 1) Hand Sanitizer is always made available by the nonprofit that supports camp. 2) At each and every weekly Sunday evening meeting, sanitation issues are a bullet point on our typed agenda. This ensures that compliance is being maintained and that any new problems are identified and fixed. If a readers of this comment wish to support the continued improvement of sanitation, they can sign our online petition at ipetitions.com/petitions/ctn/ We are in search of a site that will allow service vehicles safe road access for the provision of more modern toileting facilities.

Harry

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:19 p.m.

Man has pooped outside for thousands of years. Dig a hole, it will be fine.

JustMyOpinion

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:06 p.m.

Are they coming to stay at your house then?

antikvetch

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.

Rumor has it that MDOT hired Janet Reno to handle the problem.....

Dog Guy

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:33 p.m.

Antikvetch, I am surprised that anyone around here remembers Janet Nero's method of rural blight remediation. Eric Holder, the current incompetent in her office, would probably just make a mess of the job.

aatownie

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 12:21 p.m.

I drive by the entrance to the camp entrance several times a day and I am always saddened by the fact that this is were people live. Despite the 'success' of the camp, we need to find a better way to address homelessness in our communities-living in a tent with no facilities to support basic human needs is not acceptable.

L'chaim

Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:12 p.m.

Actually, I was thinking that this was an excellent way to address the crisis of homelessness, comparatively speaking. The key will be to END homelessness altogether, of course. This self-organization is an excellent first step and sets the stage for a much-needed political revolution.

Homeland Conspiracy

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 10:08 p.m.

jns131 Why don't you go there on Sunday @6:00 have a bite to eat &amp; ask them

jns131

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 9:23 p.m.

Didn't Ann Arbor build a homeless shelter? Isn't that were they are suppose to go?

Caleb Poirier

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:10 p.m.

Those that drive by the camp may be saddened (or angered) often because they have not taken the time to visit. We have an open door policy to all visitors, at all times of the day. The most interesting time to interact with the residents is usually Sunday evening. At 6PM there is a once a week communal meal that encourages all campers to gather for the 7PM camp meeting that follows. Both the meal and the meeting are open for the participation and inclusion of new visitors. I am very excited to read the last sentence from the previous comment: &quot;Despite the 'success' of the camp, we need to find a better way to address homelessness in our communities...&quot; I agree. For those who point to the availability of the Delonis shelter, please note that it is always full to capacity. The tent community, whether you support their struggle or not, is an invitation to work on the realization of a &quot;better way to address homelessness.&quot;

Buster W.

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.

Why don't you free up some space for them in your home?

cinnabar7071

Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:30 p.m.

Maybe we could build a multi million dollar shelter with everything they need to get back on their feet. Thats the least we could do to help. Right?